CN117515049A

CN117515049A - Sensor bearing assembly

Info

Publication number: CN117515049A
Application number: CN202310957104.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马诺伊·巴布·M
Original assignee: SKF AB
Current assignee: SKF AB
Priority date: 2022-08-05
Filing date: 2023-07-31
Publication date: 2024-02-06
Also published as: DE102023206606A1

Abstract

The sensor bearing assembly includes: a bearing (12) comprising an inner ring (18) and an outer ring (20) centred on an axis (X-X'); a pulse ring (14) fixed to an outer race (20) of the bearing, the pulse ring having an outer diameter less than or equal to an outer diameter of the outer race of the bearing; sensor means (16) for detecting a rotation parameter of the impulse ring, comprising a sensor housing (34), a printed circuit board (36) fixed to the sensor housing and at least two sensor elements supported by the printed circuit board and cooperating with the impulse ring. The at least two sensor elements are each configured to sense a unique plurality of points on the pulse ring and transmit an output signal (S1, S2) having a unique set of points. The assembly further comprises an electronic unit (90) receiving the output signals (S1, S2) of the plurality of points from each of the sensor elements and configured to combine the output signals (S1, S2) into one single final output signal.

Description

Sensor bearing assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to sensing devices (sensing devices) particularly suited for vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles or quadricycles.

Background

It is known to fix the impulse ring of the sensing device on the outside of the hub (outlide). However, such impulse rings are subject to external attacks (/ impacts/violations) and cause damage. In addition, such a pulsar ring increases the overall size of the hub.

In order to avoid the impulse ring from being subjected to external impacts and to reduce the overall size of the hub, it is known to integrate the impulse ring in a unit inside the wheel.

The invention is thus more particularly directed to a sensor bearing assembly comprising a bearing, a pulse ring, a sensor device and a spacer supporting the sensor device. Sensor bearing assemblies or units are nowadays commonly used in a wide range of technical fields, such as the automotive industry and aviation. These units provide high quality signals and transmissions while allowing integration in simpler and more compact devices. The sensor bearing unit typically comprises a bearing, a pulse ring fixed to a rotatable ring of the bearing, and a sensor unit or device to sense a point on the pulse ring.

WO-A1-2015/010737 discloses an example of a sensor bearing unit equipped with a two-wheeled vehicle axle (axle). The sensor bearing unit includes a pulse ring fixed to an outer ring of the rolling bearing, a spacer mounted in a hole of the inner ring, and a sensor device including a sensor housing (sensor housing) freely mounted to the spacer.

With this solution, it is necessary to foresee a specific shape (/ specific shape) on the axle of the two-wheeled vehicle intended to receive the sensor bearing unit. The same is true for the fork (fork) to lock the rotation of the sensor device.

Incremental rotary encoders (known as quadrature encoders) are also known for measuring the speed and direction of a rotating shaft. These encoders typically use sensors, each having an output in the form of a 90 deg. square wave (square wave). For monitoring the rotational speed only one output is used.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates to a sensor bearing assembly comprising a bearing comprising an inner ring and an outer ring centred on an axis and a pulse ring fixed to the outer ring of the bearing.

The object of the present invention is to achieve sensing of multiple positions of the bearing without increasing the read diameter of the pulse wheel and thus the overall size of the sensor bearing assembly.

According to a first general feature, the impulse ring has an outer diameter less than or equal to an outer diameter of an outer race of the bearing.

The sensor bearing assembly further includes a sensor device for detecting a rotational parameter of the impulse ring, the sensor device including a sensor housing, a printed circuit board secured to the sensor housing, and at least two sensor elements supported by the printed circuit board and mated with the impulse ring.

According to a second general feature, the sensor bearing assembly further includes an annular spacer configured to axially abut a lateral face (lateral face) of an inner race of the bearing. The sensor housing of the sensor device is firmly fixed to the spacer. The at least two sensor elements are each configured to sense a unique (/ unique) (unique) plurality of points on the pulse ring and transmit an output signal having a unique (/ unique) (unique) set of points.

The sensor bearing assembly further includes an electronics unit that receives the output signals of the plurality of points from each of the sensor elements and is configured to combine the output signals into a single final output signal.

With this design, sensing multiple positions of the bearing can be achieved without increasing the read diameter of the pulse wheel and thus the overall size of the sensor bearing assembly. Furthermore, it is not necessary to foresee a specific shape (specific shape) on the fork of the vehicle to fix the sensor device angularly (angular). Furthermore, the spacers do not protrude radially inwardly with respect to the inner ring of the bearing and the impulse ring does not protrude radially outwardly with respect to the outer ring. The radial boundary dimension of the sensor bearing assembly is the same as one of the bearings. Thus, it is not necessary to predict a specific shape on the axle and hub of the vehicle.

Alternatively, a different number of sensor elements may be foreseen, for example more than two sensor elements, for example three sensor elements or at least four sensor elements. The sensor bearing assembly may be supplied as a kit comprising a spacer separate from the bearing and the sensor device. Alternatively, the sensor bearing assembly may comprise a single unit with a spacer fixed to the inner race of the bearing.

Advantageously, the electronic unit comprises a digital logic gate exclusive OR (XOR) which receives at least two waveform output signals from the at least two sensor elements and transmits a final output signal of waveform (/ shape) having at least twice the frequency (twice the frequency). In other words, at least two outputs are processed by the high speed logic circuit to obtain a plurality of pulses as a result of the phase shift (resultant of phase shift). As one non-limiting embodiment, the waveform may have a square (square) shape.

In one embodiment, the pulse ring includes alternating north and south poles, and the sensor element includes a magnetic sensor. For example, the magnetic sensor may include a moving magnet or a fixed magnet (/ stationary magnet) (stationary magnet). For example, the sensor may be a hall effect sensor, an optical sensor or an inductive sensor or any other type of sensor.

Advantageously, the impulse ring comprises a plurality of solid portions (solid portions) alternating in circumferential direction and through slots (through slots), each of the at least two sensor elements being configured to sense one unique point (unique point) on each of the solid portions.

Advantageously, the number of pulses of each output signal sent from each sensor element is equal to the number of slots, and the number of pulses of the final output signal is equal to the sum of the number of pulses of each output signal.

For example, in a pulse ring with twenty-four slots (slots), and where the sensor device includes two sensor elements, each sensor element is configured to sense twenty-four unique features on the pulse ring, the number of pulses of each output signal sent from each sensor element is equal to twenty-four, and the number of pulses of the final output signal is equal to forty-eight.

Compared to the prior art, the number of pulses of the final output signal is equal to the number of slots. Thus, to increase the number of pulses of the final output signal, it is known to increase the number of slots, thereby increasing the read diameter of the pulse ring. The present invention avoids this disadvantage.

Advantageously, one of the at least two sensor elements is configured to sense one unique point on each of the solid portions of the pulse ring and the other of the at least two sensor elements is configured to sense another unique point on each of the solid portions of the pulse ring.

For example, one of the two sensors is configured to sense a point in the middle of each solid portion of the pulse ring, and the other of the two sensors is configured to sense a point on one of the edges of each solid portion of the pulse ring (e.g., the trailing edge or the leading edge of the pulse ring). In another option, one of the two sensors is configured to sense a trailing edge of the pulse ring and the other of the two sensors is configured to sense a leading edge of the pulse ring.

In the case of using three sensors, all of the middle portion, leading edge (trailing edge) and trailing edge (trailing edge) of the pulse ring can be sensed.

In one non-limiting example, the two sensor elements are angularly (/ angularly) (angular) spaced apart from each other by an angle that allows the generation of two90 ° phase two shift pulses (two 90 ° phase two shift pulses). The angle between the sensor elements depends on the type of waveform output signal that is ultimately required.

For example, the two sensor elements may be angularly (/ angularly) spaced apart from each other by an angle of 94 °.

As another example, two sensor elements may be angularly (/ angularly) spaced apart from each other by an angle of 120 °.

In one non-limiting example, the inner diameter of the spacer is equal to the inner diameter of the inner race of the bearing. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the spacer may be different from the inner diameter of the inner ring of the bearing.

Advantageously, the impulse ring comprises a radial portion facing the lateral face of the outer ring of the bearing, and at least one opening extending through the thickness of the radial portion, such that a portion of the lateral face of the outer ring of the bearing is externally accessible (accessible) through the opening. During the mounting of the sensor-bearing assembly, said through-opening of the impulse ring enables a direct pushing in axial direction on the lateral face of the outer ring of the bearing. This results in a simplified installation of the sensor bearing assembly without degrading the impulse ring. Preferably, said opening of the impulse ring is located radially between the cylindrical bore of the outer ring of the bearing and the cylindrical outer surface. For example, the opening of the impulse ring may extend over an angular sector (angular sector) between 0 ° and 180 °.

In one embodiment, the pulse ring includes a plurality of openings spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the impulse ring comprises a plurality of axial lugs (logs) spaced apart in the circumferential direction, one opening being arranged circumferentially between two consecutive axial lugs of the impulse ring. In one example, the axial lugs may extend over the same angular sector. As another example, each of the axial lugs may extend over a different angular sector. In this case, the angular sector of the opening will also be different. In one embodiment, the outer ring of the bearing comprises a shoulder that axially delimits a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion of the outer ring, the axial lugs of the impulse ring being directly fixed to the second cylindrical portion without inserting additional elements (additional element) between the second cylindrical portion and the axial lugs of the impulse ring. If desired, the bearing may be provided with seals, each secured in a groove formed in the bore of the outer race. The seal may be arranged radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. In another embodiment, the impulse ring may be fixed to the outer ring of the bearing by rivets or by dowel pins (dowels) or by gluing. Preferably, the sensor housing of the sensor device defines a space within which said sensor element is located.

In one embodiment, the sensor housing of the sensor device comprises an annular inner axial portion fixedly secured to the spacer, an annular outer axial portion radially surrounding the inner axial portion, and at least one annular radial portion extending between the inner and outer axial portions on the side opposite the bearing, the sensor housing having an opening filled with a sealing portion, opposite the annular radial portion and facing the bearing and the impulse ring. The sealing portion is, for example, a potting compound (potting compound) for resisting impact and vibration and for removing water, moisture or corrosive agents. Thus, the sensor element is protected from external contaminants.

The sensor housing of the sensor device defines a space within which the sensor element is located. The space is delimited by an inner axial portion and an outer axial portion, a radial portion and a sealing portion (e.g. potting compound).

In one embodiment, the impulse ring is made of metal and is provided with alternating solid portions or teeth and through slots, and said sensor element of the sensor device is capable of sensing the solid portions and through slots of the metal impulse ring.

Advantageously, the inner surface of the outer axial portion and the surface of the inner axial portion of the sensor housing have a stepped profile defining a shoulder to which the printed circuit board is fixed and axially faces the pulse ring and the bearing.

The assembly may further include at least one seal mounted on an outer surface of the sensor housing, the seal including an annular heel secured to the outer surface and at least one annular lip projecting outwardly from the heel. This increases the robustness of the assembly by eliminating the possibility of external contaminants traveling in the sense path towards the impulse ring. The lip of the seal may be in radial and/or axial frictional contact with the bore of the hub. For example, the seal is mounted on an outer surface of the outer axial portion of the sensor housing. The seal has an annular form. For example, the seal is here mounted in a groove provided on the outer surface of the outer part of the sensor housing. The friction lip may extend obliquely on the side opposite to the bearing. The lips are flexible (/ pliable) in the radial direction.

Drawings

The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of the specific embodiments given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a sensor bearing assembly according to a first example of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor bearing assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pulse ring of the sensor bearing assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial axial cross-sectional view of a two-wheeled vehicle provided with the sensor bearing assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

fig. 5 is a signal flow diagram (signal flow diagram) of the output signals of two sensor elements and the final output signal determined by the electronics unit of the sensor bearing assembly of fig. 1 and 2.

Detailed Description

The sensor bearing assembly 10 shown in fig. 1 is particularly suited for equipping a vehicle such as a motorcycle, bicycle, tricycle or quadricycle.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the sensor bearing assembly 10 includes a bearing 12, a pulse ring 14, and a bearing-mounted sensor device 16.

The bearing 12 includes an inner race 18 and an outer race 20. The inner ring 18 and the outer ring 20 are concentric and extend in the axial direction along a bearing rotation axis X-X' extending in the axial direction. The outer race 20 radially surrounds the inner race 18. The inner ring 18 and the outer ring 20 are made of steel.

As will be described later, the sensor bearing assembly 10 further includes a spacer 22 that abuts the inner race 18 of the bearing in the axial direction. The impulse ring 14 is fixed to the outer ring 20 of the bearing 12 and the sensor device 16 is fixed to the spacer 22.

In the example shown, the bearing 12 further comprises an array of rolling elements 23, here provided in the form of balls, interposed between raceways (not indicated) formed on the inner ring 18 and the outer ring 20.

The bearing 10 further comprises a cage 24 for retaining regular (/ equal) circumferential spacing of the rolling elements 23. The bearing 10 further comprises seals 26, 28 arranged radially between the inner ring 18 and the outer ring 20 to define a space in which the rolling elements 23 are arranged.

The outer race 20 is provided with a cylindrical inner surface or bore 20a and an outer cylindrical surface 20b radially opposite the bore 20 a. In the example shown, an annular raceway for rolling elements 23 is formed by the bore 20a, which raceway points radially inwards. Two grooves (not shown) are also formed in the bore 20a into which the seals 26, 28 are secured.

In this example, the outer ring 20 is further provided with two opposite first and second radial lateral faces 20c, 20d that axially delimit the bore 20a and the outer surface 20b of the ring.

A shoulder 30 is formed on the outer surface 20b of the outer race. The shoulder 30 extends radially inward from the outer surface 20b of the outer race 20. A shoulder 30 is formed on the bearing side adjacent the sensor device 16, axially opposite the second radial lateral surface 20d.

Alternatively, the outer surface 20b of the outer race 20 may be provided with a U-shaped groove.

In the example shown, the outer surface 20b of the outer race has a stepped shape. The outer surface 20b is provided with a first cylindrical portion 20b ₁ And a second cylindrical portion 20b ₂ A second cylindrical portion 20b ₂ Relative to the first cylindrical portion 20b ₁ Offset radially inward, i.e., toward the inner race 18. Cylindrical portion 20b ₁ Defining the outer diameter of the outer race 20.

Shoulder 30 axially defines a first cylindrical portion 20b ₁ And a second cylindrical portion 20b ₂ . More precisely, the first cylindrical portion 20b ₁ Axially delimited by a second lateral face 20d and a shoulder 30, and a second cylindrical portion20b of the following sections ₂ Axially delimited by a first lateral surface 20c and a shoulder 30.

Similar to the outer race 20, the inner race 18 is provided with a cylindrical inner surface or bore 18a and an outer cylindrical surface 18b radially opposite the bore 18 a. In the example shown, an annular raceway for rolling elements 23 is formed by the outer surface 18b, which raceway points radially outwards. The inner ring 18 is also provided with two opposite first 18c and second 18d radial lateral faces axially delimiting the hole 18a and the outer surface 18b of the ring.

The spacer 22 has an annular form. The spacer 22 axially abuts the first lateral face 18c of the inner race 18. The spacer 22 does not protrude into the bore 18a of the inner ring in the axial direction. The spacer 22 is provided with a cylindrical inner surface or bore 22a and an outer cylindrical surface 22b radially opposite the bore 22a.

In this example, and in a non-limiting manner, the inner diameter of the spacer 22 is equal to the inner diameter of the inner race 18 of the bearing 12. In other words, the diameter of the spacer bore 22a is here equal to the diameter of the inner ring bore 18 a. The spacer 22 is further provided with two opposite first and second radial lateral faces 22c and 22d axially delimiting the bore 22a and the outer surface 22b of said spacer (or sleeve) 22. The second lateral surface 22d of the spacer contacts in the axial direction against the first lateral surface 18c of the inner ring 18. The spacer 22 may be made of steel. As indicated previously, the sensor device 16 is secured to the spacer 22. The sensor device 16 is secured to the outer surface 22b of the spacer.

The sensor device 16 includes a sensor body or housing 34 and two or more sensor elements (not shown) supported by the sensor housing 34. The sensor device 16 also includes a printed circuit board 36 that is secured to the sensor housing 34 and supports the sensor elements.

The sensor housing 34 has an annular form. The sensor housing 34 is axially spaced from the bearing 12 and the impulse ring 14. The sensor housing 34 is fixedly secured to the spacer 22. The sensor housing 34 is fixedly secured to the outer surface 22b of the spacer. The sensor housing 34 cannot slide or rotate relative to the spacer 22.

In the example shown, the spacer 22 includes a groove 29 provided on the outer surface 22b of the spacer 22. The groove 29 is here annular. Alternatively, the groove 29 may include a plurality of grooves or notches, and may not be annular. The groove 29 is directed towards the hole 22a of the spacer 22.

The sensor device 16 is fixed to the spacer 22, since said grooves 29 cooperate with the complementary shaped ribs 17 provided on the sensor device 16. Alternatively, the sensor device 16 may be press fit (press fit) on the outer surface 22b of the spacer 22 without using any grooves and ribs. The sensor device 16 may also be glued to the outer surface 22b of the spacer 22. In this example, the outer diameter of the sensor housing 34 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer race 20 of the bearing. The sensor housing 34 comprises an annular outer axial portion 38, an annular inner axial portion 40 fixed to the spacer 22 and an annular radial portion 42 extending between said outer axial portion 38 and the inner axial portion 40 on the side opposite to the bearing 12. As shown, the sensor housing 34 has a radial opening 44 facing the bearing 12 and the impulse ring 14. The radial opening 44 is filled with a sealing portion (not shown), such as for example a potting compound (potting compound). Alternatively, the sensor housing 34 may include two opposing annular radial portions. The outer axial portion 38 and the inner axial portion 40 are concentric and coaxial with the axis X-X'. The inner axial portion 40 is fixedly secured to the outer surface 22b of the spacer 22.

The outer surface of the outer axial portion 38 forms the outer surface of the sensor housing 34. The outer diameter of the outer axial portion 38 defines the outer diameter of the sensor housing 34. The outer diameter of the sensor housing 34 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer race 20 of the bearing. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the sensor housing 34 may be equal to the outer diameter of the outer race 20. The outer axial portion 38 of the sensor housing radially surrounds the inner axial portion 40. The outer axial portion 38 extends in an axial direction between the radial portion 42 towards the bearing 12. The outer axial portion 38 extends axially from the large diameter edge of the radial portion 42. The inner axial portion 40 defines a bore of the sensor housing 34. The inner axial portion 40 is fixed to the spacer 22. The inner axial portion 40 extends axially between the radial portion 42 and the opening 44. The inner axial portion 40 extends in the axial direction from the small diameter edge of the radial portion 42 toward the bearing 12. The radial portion 42 is located at one end of the outer axial portion 38 and the inner axial portion 40. The opening 44 is axially located at the other end of the outer axial portion 38 and the inner axial portion 40.

As one non-limiting example, the inner axial portion 40 of the sensor housing 34 includes ribs 17, the ribs 17 cooperating with grooves 29 on the spacer 22 to secure the sensor device 16 to the spacer. The sensor housing 34 defines an annular space 46 within which the printed circuit board 36 is located. The space 46 is delimited radially by the outer axial portion 38 and the inner axial portion 40. The space 46 is axially delimited by the radial portion 42 and the opening 44. In the example shown, the sensor housing 34 also includes a cable output 48, the interior of the cable output 48 being intended to engage a cable (not shown) for transmitting sensed data. The cable output 48 forms a protruding portion extending radially outward from the outer surface of the sensor housing 34. The cable output 48 protrudes radially outward from the outer axial portion 38 of the sensor housing.

In the example shown, the cable output 48 has a tubular form. Alternatively, the cable output 48 may have other shapes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped form. The cable that is engaged inside the cable output section 48 includes a number of wires (not shown) that are connected to the printed circuit board 36.

In the disclosed example, the sensor device 16 is provided with a connection cable for transmitting the sensed data. Alternatively, in the case of a wireless sensor element, the sensor device 16 may be devoid of such a connecting cable. In this case, the sensor housing 34 does not include the cable output 48. For example, the sensor housing 34 is made of a synthetic material. For example, the sensor housing 34 may be made of PA 6.6 or PBT. Alternatively, the sensor housing 34 may be made of other materials, such as steel for example. The sensor housing 34 may be secured to the spacer 22 by any suitable means, such as by over molding, gluing, plastic welding, or the like. A printed circuit board 36 is secured to the sensor housing 34. The printed circuit board 36 is housed inside a space 46 defined by the sensor housing 34.

In the example shown, the inner surface of the outer axial portion 38 and the surface of the inner axial portion 40 have a stepped profile defining a shoulder 45. The printed circuit board 36 is fixed to said shoulder 45 and faces the impulse ring 14 and the bearing 12 in the axial direction. The printed circuit board 36 is mounted axially against (agains t) said shoulder 45. Alternatively, the printed circuit board 36 may be secured to the inner axial portion 40 or the outer axial portion 38 of the sensor body.

The sensor elements are supported by a printed circuit board 36, which printed circuit board 36 itself is supported by the sensor housing 34. As will be described later, the sensor element is mounted on the printed circuit board 36 on one side of the opening 44 of the sensor housing 34 in the axial direction. As previously described, the pulse ring 14 is secured to the outer race 18. The impulse ring 14 is secured to the outer surface 20b of the outer ring. The impulse ring 14 is fixed to the second cylindrical portion 20b ₂ And (3) upper part. As will be described later, the outer diameter of the pulser ring 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring 20. The pulse ring 14 radially surrounds the spacer 22. In the disclosed example, the impulse ring 14 is made in one piece (/ unitary) (one part). The impulse ring 14 is made of metal.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the impulse ring 14 includes an annular radial portion 52 and a plurality of outer axial lugs 54 extending axially from the radial portion 52. Each lug 54 extends in the axial direction from the large diameter edge of the radial portion 52. The lugs 54 are circumferentially spaced, here regularly spaced. The lugs 54 are here identical to each other. However, in alternative embodiments, the lugs may be different from one another. In the example shown, three lugs 54 are provided. Alternatively, a different number of lugs 54, such as at least two lugs, may be foreseen. For example, each lug 54 may extend over an angular sector between 0 ° and 180 °. As shown, each lug 54 extends over an angular sector equal to 45 °. As one non-limiting example, each lug 54 extends over the same angular sector. However, the lugs may also extend over different angular sectors.

In the example shown, the portion 52 of the impulse ring is axially supported on the lateral face 20c of the outer ring 20 of the bearing. The radial portion 52 of the impulse ring 14 faces the lateral face 20c in the axial direction and is also in axial contact with the lateral face 20c. Alternatively, a slight axial gap may be provided between the impulse ring 14 and said lateral surface 20c. The lugs 54 of the impulse ring 14 are radially fixed to the second cylindrical portion 20b of the outer ring outer surface 20b ₂ And (3) upper part. Each lug 54 is radially aligned with the second cylindrical portion 20b of the outer surface 20b ₂ And (3) contact. First cylindrical portion 20b of each lug 54 opposite the outer surface of the outer race ₁ Is offset radially inwardly toward the inner race 18. The impulse ring 14 is opposite to the first cylindrical portion 20b ₁ Completely radially inwardly offset. The outer surface of the lugs 54 define the outer diameter of the impulse ring 14. The outer diameter of the impulse ring 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring 20.

Alternatively, the outer diameter of the impulse ring 14 may be equal to the outer diameter of the outer ring 20. In this case, no lugs may be provided on the impulse ring 14. For example, the lugs 54 of the impulse ring 14 are formed by bending radial projections of the impulse ring to form an L-shape. Alternatively, each lug 54 may be provided with a hook extending radially inwardly from the end of the lug opposite the radial portion 52 and engaging in a groove formed on the outer surface of the outer race to retain the impulse ring 14 axially relative to the outer race.

In the example shown, the impulse ring 14 is provided with a plurality of through openings 58 formed in the radial portion 52. The opening 58 extends through the axial thickness of the radial portion 52. The openings 58 are circumferentially spaced, here regularly spaced. The openings 58 are here identical to each other. In the example shown, three openings 58 are provided. Alternatively, a different number of openings 58 may be foreseen, such as only one opening, or at least two openings 58. For example, each opening 58 may extend over an angular sector between 0 ° and 180 °. Alternatively, other angular dimensions of the opening 58 may be foreseen. As explained above, in another embodiment, the angular sector of the opening 58 may be different.

In the example shown, each through opening 58 is arranged between two consecutive lugs 54 in the circumferential direction while being offset radially inwards. Each through opening 58 opens radially outwardly. With the through opening 58, the radial portion 52 is provided with radial sectors, here three radial sectors, at its periphery. Each through opening 58 is formed on the radial portion 52 such that a portion of the first lateral face 20c of the outer race 20 is externally accessible through said opening 58. In other words, each opening 58 of the radial portion 52 leaves a portion of the lateral face 20c of the outer race free. As will be described later, the through opening 58 of the impulse ring can be pushed directly on the outer ring 20 of the bearing in the axial direction during installation of the sensor bearing assembly 10.

Each through opening 58 is formed on the radial portion 52 of the pulse ring 14 so as to be located radially between the bore 20a and the outer surface 20b of the outer ring 20. Each through opening 58 is offset radially outwardly relative to bore 20a and radially inwardly relative to outer surface 20b. As a non-limiting example, as shown, the inner diameter of each through opening 58 is greater than the diameter of the bore 20a and the outer diameter of each through opening is less than the diameter of the outer surface 20b. In this example, the body 59 of the radial portion 52 of the impulse ring 14 is also provided with a plurality of through slots (slots) or apertures (aperture) 60 regularly spaced in the circumferential direction.

The aperture 60 extends through the axial thickness of the body 59 of the radial portion 52. The aperture 60 is offset radially inwardly with respect to the through opening 58. A solid portion or tooth 59a is formed between each pair of successive apertures 60. Thus, the impulse ring 14 is provided with alternating solid portions 59a and orifices 60 in the circumferential direction. As previously described, each sensor element (not shown) is mounted on the printed circuit board 36 axially on one side of the opening 44 of the housing 34. As will be described with reference to fig. 5, each sensor element cooperates with the impulse ring 14 to sense a plurality of unique features on the impulse ring and to utilize each of the plurality of unique features to deliver an output signal.

The sensor elements are arranged on the same diameter on the printed circuit board 36. Each sensor element is radially aligned with one of the solid portion 59a or the aperture 60 of the impulse ring 14. The sensor elements may be regularly spaced or irregularly spaced in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, a different number of sensor elements may be foreseen, for example more than two sensor elements, for example three sensor elements or at least four sensor elements. Preferably, the sensor element may comprise a magnetic sensor, for example with a moving magnet or a fixed magnet. For example, the impulse ring 14 may include alternating north and south poles, and the sensor element may include a hall effect sensor. In general, the impulse ring 14 and the sensor element may use any other suitable technique, such as inductive techniques, optical techniques or any other sensing technique.

In the example shown, the sensor bearing assembly 10 also includes a seal 64 mounted on an outer surface of the sensor housing 34. The seal 64 is mounted on the outer surface of the outer axial portion 38 of the sensor housing 34. The seal 64 has an annular form. The seal 64 is here mounted in a groove 47 provided on the outer surface of the outer axial portion 38 of the sensor housing 34. The seal 64 is provided with an annular heel (heel) 64a and an annular friction lip 64b projecting from the heel. A friction lip 64b extends outwardly from the heel 64 a. The friction lip 64b extends obliquely on the side opposite to the bearing 12. The lip 64b is flexible (/ pliable) in the radial direction. In the example shown, the seal 64 is provided with only one lip 64b. Alternatively, the seal 64 may be provided with two or three or more lips. The seal 64 may be made of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane. The seal 64 is secured to the sensor housing 34 by any suitable means, such as by gluing, by overmolding, or the like.

As previously mentioned, the sensor bearing assembly 10 is particularly suited for equipping a vehicle. As partially shown in fig. 4, the sensor bearing assembly 10 is mounted on the axle 70 of the wheel between one arm 72 of the fork and the wheel spacer 75 and is partially surrounded by a hub 74. The sensor bearing assembly 10 is mounted into a bore of the hub 74. The bearing 12 of the sensor bearing assembly is mounted into a bore of the hub 74. The sensor housing 34 and the spacer 22 are located partially inside the hub 74 and protrude axially outward. The inner ring 18 of the bearing is mounted on the axle 70 of the wheel and is supported axially against the wheel spacer 75. The outer race 20 is mounted in a bore of the hub 74. The outer race 20 is intended to rotate with the hub 74, while the inner race 18 is intended to be stationary.

Since the outer diameter of the pulsar ring 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer race 20, there is no contact between the pulsar ring and the hub 74. Similarly, since the outer diameter of the sensor housing 34 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer race 20, there is no contact between the sensor housing and the hub 74. To mount the bearing 12 inside the hub 74, a specific mounting tool (not shown) may be used. The installation tool is here provided with three axial teeth spaced apart in the circumferential direction and configured to engage into one of the through openings of the impulse ring 14 without coming into contact with said impulse ring.

For example, each tooth of the installation tool extends through one of the openings of the impulse ring 14 and is in axial contact with the lateral face 20c of the outer race of the bearing. The through opening of the impulse ring 14 allows the teeth of the tool to pass through to abut directly in the axial direction against the lateral face 20c of the outer ring. The axial contact between the teeth of the tool and the lateral face 20c of the outer race 20 is the only contact between the tool and the sensor bearing assembly 10. The axial force is applied directly to the lateral face 20c of the outer race 20 by means of a tool to mount the bearing into the hub 74. Preferably, the outer race 20 is press fit (/ press fit) into the hub 74. During mounting of the sensor bearing assembly 10 into the hub 74, the through opening of the impulse ring 14 enables a direct thrust in the axial direction on the outer ring 20 of the bearing 12. Alternatively and as shown, the body 59a of the radial portion 52 of the impulse ring 14 comprises a guide through opening 80 extending through the axial thickness of said radial portion 52. The guide through opening 80 is advantageously used to mount the assembly 10 formed by the impulse ring 14 and the bearing 12 on the hub 74 without any contact on the surface of the impulse ring 14.

The shaft 70 is mounted inside the bore of the inner race 18 of the bearing and the bore of the spacer 22. The spacer 22 axially abuts the lateral face 18c of the inner race 18 at one end and one of the arms 72 of the fork (fork) axially at the opposite end. The lip 64a of the seal bears against the bore of the hub 74. The lip 64b of the seal 64 prevents external contaminants from traveling toward the impulse ring 14. As previously described, in the first embodimentIn an example, the axial lugs 54 are press fit or glued to the second cylindrical portion 20b of the outer race 20 ₂ To secure the impulse ring 14 to the outer race 20 of the bearing 12. Alternatively, the impulse ring 14 may be secured directly to the outer race of the bearing by other means, such as by staking to the lateral face 20c of the outer race or by using a dowel pin (dowel pin). In this case, the pulser ring 14 may be free of lugs, and may include through holes (not shown) formed in the radial portion 52 of the pulser ring 14. The bore extends through the axial thickness of the radial portion 52. Rivets or dowel pins (not shown) extend through the holes of the impulse ring and into blind holes formed in the lateral faces 20c of the outer ring to secure the impulse ring 14 to the outer ring.

In another example, the impulse ring 14 may be secured to the first lateral surface 20c of the outer ring by gluing. With such a pulse ring 14, the stepped shape of the outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing is not necessarily foreseen. In the example shown, the sensor bearing assembly is provided with a rolling bearing comprising an array of rolling elements. As another alternative, the rolling bearing may comprise at least two rows of rolling elements. In the example shown, the rolling elements are balls. Alternatively, the rolling bearing may comprise other types of rolling elements, such as rollers. In a further variant, the rolling bearing may also be provided with a plain bearing without rolling elements. As explained above, in the case of magnetic technology, the impulse ring 14 may comprise alternating north and south poles, and the sensor element may comprise a magnetic sensor.

The processing of the output signals of the sensor elements will be described with reference to fig. 5. In the example shown in fig. 5, the sensor device 16 comprises two sensor elements mounted on a printed circuit board 36. The two sensor elements are each configured to sense a unique plurality of points P1, P2 on the pulse ring 14, in particular a unique plurality of points P1, P2 on the solid portion 59a, and to transmit an output signal S1, S2 having a unique set of points. As shown, a first sensor element is mounted to sense the center of the solid portion 59a of the impulse ring 14 and a second sensor element is mounted to sense the trailing edge 59b of the impulse ring 14. Alternatively, a first sensor element may be installed to sense a leading edge (trailing edge) 59c of the pulse ring 14, and a second sensor element may be installed to sense a trailing edge (trailing edge) 59b of the pulse ring 14.

In case the sensor device comprises three sensor elements, the centre, the leading edge and the trailing edge of the impulse ring may be sensed. As a non-limiting example, two sensor elements are located at specific positions that allow two90 ° phase two shift pulses (phase two shift pulse) to be generated. For example, the two sensor elements may be angularly (angularly) spaced apart from each other at an angle of 94 °. The two output signals S1, S2 are then processed by a high-speed logic circuit (not shown) to obtain a plurality of pulses as a result of the phase shift, as will be described below. As the inner race 18 of the bearing 12 rotates, the impulse ring 14 moves past the stationary sensor element, creating a magnetic field of varying polarity. Each of the two sensor elements outputs a pulse whose frequency depends on the number of polarities per second. The two output signals S1, S2 of the phase offset (offset in phase) are sent to the electronic unit 90 via a sensor connection cable or via wireless means.

The electronic unit 90 is configured to process the two output signals into one final output signal. Thus, two different output signals, each having its unique set of points, are combined into one single final output signal, doubling the number of pulses per rotation compared to the number of slots 60. The electronic unit 90 comprises a digital logic gate called exclusive or XOR which receives the two square waveform output signals from the two sensor elements. The final output signal has the form of a square wave of twice the frequency. As shown, the number of pulses of each output signal S1, S2 sent from each sensor element is equal to the number of apertures 60 of the pulse ring 14, and the number of pulses of the final output signal is equal to the sum of the number of pulses of each output signal. For example, in a pulse ring 14 having twenty-four slots 60, and where the sensor device includes two sensor elements, each sensor element configured to sense twenty-four unique features on the pulse ring 14, the number of pulses of each output signal sent from each sensor element is equal to twenty-four, and the number of pulses of the final output signal is equal to forty-eight.

Thus, in case a higher number of pulses of the final output signal is required, the read diameter of the pulse ring no longer needs to be increased. For example, in a pulse ring 14 having sixteen slots 60, and where the sensor device includes three sensor elements, each sensor element configured to sense sixteen unique features on the pulse ring 14, the number of pulses of each output signal transmitted from each sensor element is equal to sixteen, and the number of pulses of the final output signal is equal to forty-eight. In this case, the number of slots 60 and the read diameter of the impulse ring 14 are reduced. In the event that a pulse ring 12 with twenty-four slots 60 is required to have a final output signal of seventy-two pulses, the sensor device 16 may include three sensor elements, each sensing twenty-four unique points (/ unique points) on the pulse ring 14.

The processing of the output signal has been described with reference to two sensor elements. Alternatively, a different number of sensor elements may be foreseen, for example at least three or four sensor elements. The number of pulses of the final output signal is proportionally dependent on the number of sensor elements.

And a different number of slots 60 of the impulse ring 14. Thus, the number of pulses per revolution of the final output signal can be increased without increasing the read diameter of the pulse ring. Thus, the sensor bearing assembly is easily implemented in any vehicle without modifying the surrounding components (surrounding components).

Claims

1. A sensor bearing assembly (10), comprising:

a bearing (12) comprising an inner ring (18) and an outer ring (20) centred on an axis (X-X'),

-a pulse ring (14) fixed to the outer ring (20) of the bearing (12), the outer diameter of the pulse ring (14) being smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the outer ring (20) of the bearing,

-a sensor device (16) for detecting a rotation parameter of the impulse ring (14), comprising a sensor housing (34), a printed circuit board (36) fixed to the sensor housing (34), and at least two sensor elements supported by the printed circuit board (36) and cooperating with the impulse ring (14), and

-an annular spacer (22) configured to axially abut against a lateral face (18 c) of an inner ring (18) of the bearing (12), a sensor housing (34) of the sensor device (16) being firmly fixed to the spacer (22), characterized in that the at least two sensor elements are each configured to sense a unique plurality of points on the impulse ring (14) and to transmit an output signal (S1, S2) having a unique set of points, and the sensor bearing assembly (10) further comprises an electronic unit (90), the electronic unit (90) receiving the output signals (S1, S2) of the plurality of points from each of the at least two sensor elements and being configured to combine the at least two output signals (S1, S2) into one final output signal.

2. The sensor bearing assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic unit (90) comprises a digital logic gate or, which receives at least two waveform output signals (S1, S2) from the at least two sensor elements and transmits a final output signal in the form of a wave having at least twice the frequency.

3. The sensor bearing assembly (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the impulse ring (14) comprises alternating north and south poles and the sensor element comprises a magnetic sensor.

4. The sensor bearing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impulse ring (14) comprises a plurality of solid portions (59 a) alternating in a circumferential direction and through slots (60), each of the at least two sensor elements being configured to sense one unique point on each of the solid portions.

5. The sensor bearing assembly (10) of claim 4, wherein the number of pulses of each output signal transmitted from each sensor element is equal to the number of slots (60) and the number of pulses of the final output signal is equal to the sum of the number of pulses of each output signal.

6. The sensor bearing assembly (10) of claim 4 or 5, wherein one of the at least two sensor elements is configured to sense one unique point on each of the solid portions of the impulse ring (14) and the other of the at least two sensor elements is configured to sense another unique point on each of the solid portions of the impulse ring (14).

7. The sensor bearing assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two sensor elements (S1, S2) are angularly spaced apart from each other by an angle allowing two90 ° phase two shift pulses to be generated.

8. The sensor bearing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the impulse ring (14) comprises a radial portion (52) facing a lateral face (20 c) of the outer ring of the bearing and at least one opening (58) extending through the thickness of the radial portion (52) such that a portion of the lateral face (20 c) of the outer ring of the bearing is accessible from the outside through the opening (58).

9. The sensor-bearing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impulse ring (14) comprises a plurality of axial lugs (54) spaced apart in the circumferential direction, one opening (58) being arranged circumferentially between two consecutive axial lugs (54) of the impulse ring.

10. A sensor bearing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer ring (20) of the bearing is externally provided withThe surface (20 b) comprises a shoulder (30), said shoulder (30) axially delimiting a first cylindrical portion (20 b) of said outer surface (20 b) ₁ ) And a second cylindrical portion (20 b ₂ ) The axial lugs (54) of the impulse ring (14) are directly fixed to the second cylindrical portion (20 b) ₂ )。